Lira Catholic diocese has resolved to collect offertory from Christians through mobile money.
The move follows a presidential directive banning church services alongside other public gatherings which attracts a large crowd in the wake of a global coronavirus outbreak where over 246,881 people have been infected and killed 10,064 people worldwide. 17 people have so far died in Africa and over 600 people infected in 32 of the 54 countries on the continent.
Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, the ordinary bishop of the diocese advised the Christians to maintain the spirit of offertory collection to help the church. The move is to be replicated in all parishes so that every family can prepare some offertory to stay in communion with the church.
“When you are sending, make sure that your name is attached so that they know so and so has sent so much money so that Fr Boniface will produce a list. And if you want to cross-check whether your money has arrived, he will be in a position of informing those who have sent their offertory and it has arrived for the purpose.” the bishop said.
Fr George Ogwal Akaca, the parish priest Lira Cathedral parish says local churches can conduct prayer sessions in a group of people less than 10 in numbers.
Continue praying, tithing
Reacting to President Yoweri Museveni’s temporary ban on church services, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, encouraged the Church to develop new tools for ministry and outreach, including radio, television and social media.
“I never expected the need for these new tools to come so quickly. But here we are. A great evangelist once said, ‘your setback can be a setup for your comeback’,” he said.
Kaziimba pledged to record a daily devotion to be circulated using the Church of Uganda Facebook page and twitter accounts.
The cleric also advised believers not to neglect worshiping God through tithe and offering.
He asked fellow clergy to explain to Christians how to use online banking if available or continue giving weekly tithe and offerings.
“Alternatively, one can use mobile money. It may also be possible to pass by your local church during the week and give your offering privately. If none of those are available, I urge every Christian to set aside their weekly tithe and offering. When we do come back together again and, we shall, we will have a big gathering as a Thanksgiving to God for His great faithfulness,” Kaziimba said.
